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When making a
turn, the outer wheels of a vehicle must travel faster than the
inner wheels. It is up to the differential to act as a balance arm,
establishing constant equilibrium of torques and forces between the
left-hand and right-hand driven wheels. In standard (or open)
differentials, power is directed to the wheel offering the least
resistance. This works well when making a turn, but in a situation
where one wheel is lifted off the ground, it causes the suspended
wheel to turn while the other remains motionless.
 Limited-slip
(or positraction) and locking differentials are traction-increasing
devices. Locking differentials transfer all available torque to both
wheels. The teeth of the spider assembly engage with those on the
locker clutch, causing both axle shafts to operate as one. Locking
differentials don't allow one drive wheel to spin while the other
remains stationary. Instead, they keep both wheels in drive mode,
but unlock to permit different wheel speeds when turning. The
engaging and disengaging of the teeth on automatic locking
differentials often causes a banging and clunking sound. Manual
locking differentials usually use an electric motor or vacuum
diaphragm to engage the locker, reducing this noise.
Limited-slip
differentials allow different wheel speeds when turning, but when
one wheel loses traction, greater torque is transferred to the wheel
offering more resistance. Limited-slip differentials make use of
friction between clutch plates, as opposed to the meshing teeth
employed by locking differentials. Transferring less torque per
side, limited-slip differentials are generally smoother and quieter
than locking differentials, but still sometimes "chatter" when
transferring torque to the wheel with traction.
In some
differential applications, a friction modifier additive is necessary
to reduce chatter. AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive is
formulated with advanced friction modifiers and is designed to
eliminate gear-housing chatter in cars, trucks and SUVs equipped
with limited-slip, positraction and locking differentials. It also
reduces the banging and clunking associated with automatic locking
differentials.
AMSOIL
Slip-Lock Differential Additive is formulated for use with both
synthetic and petroleum gear lubricants and safely replaces
manufacturer recommended friction modifiers. Its convenient flip-top
dispenser provides quick and easy application to the gear housing.
One four-ounce bottle of Slip-Lock treats differential capacities of
two to four quarts. It is not for use in automatic transmissions or
other applications requiring ATF.
NOTE: AMSOIL
Synthetic Gear Lubes do not require the use of this additive.
However, not all differentials respond the same and if chatter is
noticed, the addition of AMSOIL Slip-Lock will eliminate it. For
chattering differentials not running AMSOIL Gear Lube, this product
is an excellent solution to the problem. |
